anneliseinthebigworld

Annelise and I were invited to a petting zoo that was hosted at a preschool called Cloverleaf Academy. To say that I was blown away by the fact that the wonderful teachers thought to invite us is an understatement. I was on cloud 9 when I realized that I could actually fit this super fun activity into my work day. I have had the pleasure of working with the teachers at Cloverleaf Academy over the past few months and besides being so kind, open-hearted and generous, I’m convinced this is the best place for your preschooler, whether they have a disability or not. Erika, the main teacher, has two children of her own with disabilities and has a complete grasp on incorporating therapeutic activities throughout daily activities and making them fun. The kids are submersed into playing, working and learning at their individual highest ability and are expected to participate and participate well. The changes I have seen in the children are phenomenal. Can you think of anyone in South Arlington that might benefit? Send them here for more info…Cloverleaf Academy. The petting zoo is a perfect example of how great this preschool is-they basically had a private petting zoo for just their 8-10 students, perfect for them each to have enough time to warm up to the activity, process all the information and enjoy their time with the animals. All of the animals were “mini” and the perfect size for the kids to pet, chase after and hold. They were also perfect for Annelise! Did you read my post on our trip to the zoo a few months back? Well, Annelise was not interested in the slightest at the animals there. Those animals were large and most were far away in cages. This petting zoo would be very different!

At first, it took her a minute to warm up…

Then, as she realized this was hands on, she started warming up! Who wouldn’t want to kiss a soft bunny?

We headed out to the zoo before the bigger kids came out, so Annelise had free reign. This could not have been more perfect. Even the mini animals were big to her, so she had to figure them all out. (This is the mini horse.)

It didn’t take long before she was “oh, oh, oh”-ing at the mini cow. I have never seen a mini cow-so stinking awesome! He didn’t mind Annelise one bit.

She was very happy to stand with all the mini animals as they ate a snack.

Here chicken! Darn, they are quick.

Those rabbits were quick, too. Annelise loved walking around for a bit in the enclosure.

The goats were quick to butt in to get some food. Are you sure this is ok, Mommy?

And finally the ducks! They were busy grooming themselves behind a fence that was a tad too high for Annelise to reach over.

But, oh my! were they pretty!

Hiram and I had such a wonderful time watching Annelise enjoy the animals. She saw and/or petted rabbits, chickens, a rooster, a mini cow, a mini donkey, a mini horse, a mini pot belly pig, goats, sheep and ducks. I can not thank the teachers at Cloverleaf Academy enough for being so thoughtful for remembering us, but also for being the very best teachers for their students.